For Jimmy Jacob, a regular commuter in Cavite, the challenges of daily travel once defined his life. Each morning, he braved heavy traffic and congestion along Aguinaldo Highway to reach work, losing precious hours he could have spent with his family. But today, thanks to the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), those grueling commutes are a thing of the past.
“Mas mabilis na ngayon (It’s much faster now),” Jacob said. “Dati, sobrang tagal ng biyahe dahil sa traffic. Ngayon, ang dami ng bypass, kaya mas mabilis na ang pagpunta sa trabaho at sa mga lugar tulad ng Nuvali. Marami akong oras na natitipid para sa pamilya ko (Before, traveling took so long because of traffic. Now, there are so many bypass roads, so getting to work and places like Nuvali is much quicker. I’m saving a lot of time for my family).”
CALAX, which spans 44.69 kilometers and connects the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), is more than just a road project for Jimmy and countless others—it has transformed their routines, reduced travel times, and opened up new opportunities.
A Priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized infrastructure development as one of his administration’s top priorities.
Under the flagship “Build Better More” program, CALAX has been identified as a crucial project that aligns with his vision of enhancing regional connectivity, improving economic opportunities, and uplifting the quality of life for Filipinos.
The expressway, which is being implemented as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development through innovative collaboration with the private sector.
“Kapag may proyekto ang gobyerno, ang kasunod niyan ay development (When the government has a project, development follows),” Director Pelita Galvez of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Public-Private Partnership Service said.
She also highlighted the Marcos administration’s proactive efforts to address right-of-way acquisition challenges, ensuring that projects like CALAX are rolled out efficiently. “Sa administrasyong ito, napagtuunan ng pansin kung paano natin mapapabilis ‘yung proseso para maituloy ang mga proyekto. Nandiyan ang suporta ng gobyerno (In this administration, the focus has been on how we can speed up the process to continue the projects. The support of the government is there),” she added.
The Cavite-Laguna Expressway is not just a road—it’s a transformative solution to the long-standing traffic woes in two of the country’s fastest-growing provinces.
Cavite and Laguna, known for their burgeoning industrial zones, residential communities, and tourist attractions, have long been plagued by heavy congestion on major road networks like Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road.
CALAX provides a direct route between Cavite and Laguna, bypassing these traffic chokepoints and cutting travel time from CAVITEX to SLEX by approximately 45 minutes. With eight strategically located interchanges, including Kawit, Daang Hari, Governor’s Drive, and Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay, the expressway ensures seamless connectivity across key economic hubs.
“CALAX will greatly ease the movement of goods and services in the area, further boosting economic activities and creating jobs,” explained Ceferino Rodolfo, Undersecretary of the Industry Development Group (IDG) of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Beyond easing commutes, the expressway is expected to enhance the mobility of goods and services, making it a critical infrastructure for local industries and businesses.
Huge savings
For motorist Rodelo Lebran, CALAX has brought significant financial relief. “’Yong konsumo ng gas, mas mababa na. Mas mabilis ang biyahe, kaya mas nakakatipid talaga (Gas consumption is lower now. Travel is faster, so it really helps save money),” he said.
Rodelo’s experience reflects the broader impact of CALAX on the daily lives of Filipinos.
By providing a faster, safer, and more efficient route, the expressway has not only saved commuters time but also reduced transportation costs—benefits that resonate deeply with ordinary citizens.
Innovation and security
CALAX isn’t just about reducing travel times; it also incorporates state-of-the-art technologies to enhance safety and user experience.
Features such as automatic license plate recognition, image processing (IP) based speed detection cameras, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems ensure smooth and secure travel for motorists.
The expressway is also designed with the future in mind. Plans include the addition of commercial establishments like gas stations, retail outlets, convenience stores, and restaurants along the route, making it a hub for both commuters and local businesses.
As of now, the 18-kilometer Laguna segment of CALAX is fully operational, connecting the Mamplasan Rotunda to the Silang Aguinaldo Interchange. Meanwhile, the Cavite segment is under construction, with completion targeted for 2025—a timeline affected by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Road to completion
The journey to make CALAX a reality has not been without its challenges. First conceptualized in 2006 as part of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project, the Expressway underwent multiple revisions and setbacks.
Originally approved during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III in 2013, CALAX faced controversies surrounding the bidding process and difficulties in securing right-of-way acquisitions.
In 2015, the project was rebid and awarded to MPCALA Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), under a PPP scheme. The concession agreement allowed the private sector to finance, construct, and operate the expressway for 35 years.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2017, marking the start of construction. However, unforeseen challenges, including the pandemic, slowed the completion of the Cavite segment.
Despite these setbacks, the Marcos administration remains steadfast in its commitment to finishing the project.
Economic growth and development
The benefits of CALAX extend far beyond transportation. By improving connectivity between Cavite and Laguna, the expressway is expected to drive economic growth in the Southern Tagalog region.
“The project complements the government’s strategy to disperse economic activities across the regions,” said Usec. Rodolfo.
“It will not only enhance the movement of goods but also create jobs and stimulate local economies,” he added.
The Expressway’s strategic location also supports the development of new residential and industrial areas. With faster access to Metro Manila, more families are considering relocating to Cavite and Laguna, easing urban congestion in the capital. (Michael Jaucian, PTV)
